Oakland Zoo Set to Make Elephant-Sized Impact on Herds of Visitors

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Oakland Zoo, in partnership with Wildlife Conservation Society’s “96 Elephants” campaign, is hosting a day to raise public awareness about African elephants.

Female African Elephant

“We will be raising awareness of both captive and conservation issues that surround elephants,” said Co- Elephant Manager, Gina Kinzley.

Oakland, CA (PRWEB)August 04, 2015

The public is encouraged to wear grey in support of World Elephant Day on Wednesday, August 12. Oakland Zoo, in partnership with Wildlife Conservation Society’s “96 Elephants” campaign, is hosting a day to raise public awareness about African elephants. Zoo guests will have the opportunity to meet Co-Elephant Manager, Gina Kinzley, learn fun facts about elephants, and receive a special bracelet and pin.

“We will be raising awareness of both captive and conservation issues that surround elephants,” said Co- Elephant Manager, Gina Kinzley. “This has been a very exciting year for us, as we have been at the forefront of lobbying and support to ensure passage of AB 96 and SB 716, bills that will ban legal ivory sales and prohibit the use of bullhooks in California. We need our visitors to take action and become involved in these efforts and together we can give elephants a voice.”

Guests will also be encouraged to take an “elphie” in front of the elephant exhibit.

As part of the World Elephant Day celebration, Oakland Zoo is part of a nationwide coalition of zoos throughout the United States that will give children the opportunity to “Join the STAMPede and #BeHerd” by “stamping” their hand print on a letter that is a collective effort around the country through WSC’s “96 Elephants” campaign. The letters will be gathered and used to support the federal regulations regarding the ivory ban in the United States. More than one hundred North American zoos are partners of 96 Elephants, which is focused on securing a moratorium on the sale of ivory in the U.S.; bolstering protection of African elephants; and educating the public about the link between ivory consumption and the elephant poaching crisis.

Oakland Zoo and the “96 Elephants” campaign praise the California Assembly for passing AB 96, state legislation that would ban the sale of ivory and rhinoceros horn in the state of California. Oakland Zoo will remain supportive of AB 96, and we will continue working with lawmakers as the bill moves through the California Senate, then on to Governor Brown whom we urge to sign AB 96 into law. We are also thrilled with the announcement made by President Obama just days ago regarding a ban that would prohibit African elephant ivory sales across state lines in the United States. Please show support of elephants and join Oakland Zoo on Wednesday, August 12th in honor of World Elephant Day.

96 ELEPHANTS:
96 Elephants was named for the number of elephants gunned down each day for their ivory. Wildlife Conservation Society is leading global efforts to save Africa’s elephants and end the current poaching and ivory trafficking crisis. WCS launched its 96 Elephants campaign (http://www.96elephants.org) to amplify and support the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). The WCS campaign focuses on: securing effective moratoria on domestic sales of ivory; bolstering elephant protection; and educating the public about the link between ivory consumption and the elephant poaching crisis.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY (WCS):
MISSION: WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. VISION: WCS envisions a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas, valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. To achieve our mission, WCS, based at the Bronx Zoo, harnesses the power of its Global Conservation Program in more than 60 nations and in all the world’s oceans and its five wildlife parks in New York City, visited by 4 million people annually. WCS combines its expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve its conservation mission. For more details, go to http://www.wcs.org.

ABOUT OAKLAND ZOO:
The Bay Area’s award-winning Oakland Zoo is home to more than 660 native and exotic animals. The Zoo offers many educational programs and kid’s activities perfect for science field trips, family day trips and exciting birthday parties. Nestled in the Oakland Hills, in 525-acre Knowland Park, the Zoo is located at 9777 Golf Links Road, off Highway 580. The East Bay Zoological Society (Oakland Zoo) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization supported in part by members, contributions, the City of Oakland and the East Bay Regional Parks. For more information please visit our website at http://www.oaklandzoo.org.